Etihad Airways has resumed a limited number of flights to and from London Heathrow Airport, marking a cautious return to operations amid ongoing regional tensions. The airline issued a new update confirming that services between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow would restart from today, March 6, 2026.
Flight Resumption and Passenger Guidance
In a statement released on social media, Etihad Airways announced the resumption of a limited commercial flight schedule, operating between Abu Dhabi and several key destinations. The airline emphasised that guests with previous bookings would be accommodated on these flights as soon as possible.
Etihad has strongly urged members of the public not to travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by the airline or hold a confirmed booking on one of the new flights. This precautionary measure is designed to manage passenger flow and ensure safety amid uncertain conditions.
Safety and Security Assessments
The decision to resume flights was taken in coordination with relevant authorities following extensive safety and security assessments. Etihad continues to monitor the situation closely and has stated that it will only operate flights once all safety criteria are met.
This move comes as a relief to many British nationals and other travellers who have been eager to escape the conflict-ridden region. Since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, a staggering 7,766 flights have been cancelled across affected areas.
Impact on Regional Travel
In certain countries, including Israel, Bahrain, and the UAE, nearly all flights have been cancelled today. The suspension of flights in and out of Dubai, which is part of the United Arab Emirates, over the weekend has left numerous Brits stranded.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been actively updating its travel advice, listing holiday hotspots such as Thailand, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates as impacted areas. The FCDO's list, which is constantly being revised, now includes 76 countries that Brits should avoid for the time being, some due to the conflict that has spilled across the region.
Government Response and Travel Advice
Keir Starmer has insisted that the UK Government will help keep Brits abroad safe. The FCDO shared an update on social media, urging British nationals to follow the latest travel advice. An update on the government website on March 5 added a link for British nationals in Lebanon to register their presence with the UK government.
Of the 226 countries or territories with foreign travel advice pages, 76 are currently flagged as having no-go zones, reflecting the widespread impact of the conflict on global travel.
As Etihad Airways cautiously resumes its limited flight schedule, passengers are advised to stay informed through official channels and adhere to all guidance to ensure their safety and smooth travel arrangements.
